Culturally Important Plants of the Lakota

51 Pages·2015·0.35 MB·English

Culturally Important Plants of the Lakota

Based on interviews, research, and a comprehensive review of historical documents.

Principal Investigator
Linda S. Black Elk
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Sap is collected in the early spring by "tapping" trees and is used as a
sweetener or a refreshing beverage. The leaves are sucked to relieve
dry mouth during Sundances. The inner bark is edible, but only used
during food shortages. The seeds are also edible after the husks have
1 Acer negundo boxelder maple čhaŋšúška been removed and the seeds boiled.
A decoction of the bark is used to dye hides. The sap is sometimes
collected and used as a sweetener or refreshing beverage. An infusion of
2 Acer saccharinum silver maple tȟahálo the bark is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and cramps.
Sap is collected in early spring by "tapping" trees and is used as a
sweetener. A decoction made from the inner bark is used as a
3 Acer saccharum sugar maple čhaŋhásaŋ expectorant.
Poultice of dried leaves and flowers used to heal spider and other insect
bites. Wad of moistened leaves put in outer ear to cure earache. Poultice
made from whole plant applied to wounds to stop bleeding. Leaves
chewed for toothache. Leaves rubbed on irritated skin to relieve itching.
An infusion made from leaves used to treat stomach pains, coughing, and
sore throat. An infusion is also used to stimulate sweating and urination,
Western yarrow, ȟaŋté čhaŋȟlóǧaŋ, as a mild laxative, to cleanse/detoxify the blood, to cure female organ
4 Achillea millefolium common yarrow tȟaópi pȟežúta problems and heal internal bleeding.
The seeds are edible when cooked. They are often ground into flour and
Achnatherum used to make bread or to thicken soups. The seeds are sometimes
5 hymenoides Indian ricegrass psíŋ roasted.
A decoction of the roots is taken for fever, sore throats, coughs,
stomach problems, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Root
chewed for sore throat and toothache. Poultice of crushed root used
externally for muscle cramps. Root is chewed and then put onto one's
face to ward off fear in the presence of an enemy. Pulverized root
mixed with gun powder and made into a decoction, which is effective
sweet flag, against arm and leg cramps. Piece of root placed inside of cheek to ward
6 Acorus calamus bitterroot siŋkpé tȟawóte off bad spirits.
Leaves used to make a pleasant tea. Leaves chewed for their "licorice"
flavor and to freshen breath. They may also be added to cooked meats
and fruits. An infusion of the leaves is used to treat colds and fevers,
7 Agastache foeniculum lavender hyssop waȟpé yatȟápi and to strengthen the heart.
Root is edible - it is harvested in the late fall and then dried for later
use. Use caution when harvesting in the fall, as one must ensure correct
Alisma plantago- identification so as to not confuse the tubers of this plant with
8 aquatica water plantain wakíŋyaŋla paȟlí hú poisonous death camas.
Whole plant cooked in soups and stews; it is also eaten raw. Plant rubbed
on bee and wasp stings to relieve pain and swelling. Onions are excellent
9 Allium spp. wild onion pšíŋ šičámna for heart health and blood detoxification.
waȟpé makȟá
ayúblaya, waȟpé
makȟá yatȟápi Leaves eaten similarly to spinach. Seeds ground into flour. All members
10 Amaranthus spp. amaranth, pigweed iyéčheca of this genus are edible.
A poultice is made by preparing a decoction of the leaves and soaking
material in the liquid and applying the material to swellings. A poultice
may also be made by macerating the leaves and applying them directly
onto the swollen area. An infusion made from roots promotes regular
Ambrosia poíphiye, caŋȟlóǧaŋ bowel movements and urination. An infusion is also taken by women who
11 artemisifolia annual ragweed waštémna are having difficulty giving birth.
Leaves are rough like a cat's tongue and were used as toilet paper. A
uŋzípakhiŋte, poultice of the whole plant is used as a
yamnúmnuǧa treatment for infected toes. An infusion of the leaves and stems is
12 Ambrosia trifida giant ragweed iyéčheca taken for pneumonia and fever and as a treatment for diarrhea.
Stems are formed into hoops and covered with leather to use for a game
juneberry, of skill. Stems sometimes used for arrow shafts. Leaves boiled to make a
serviceberry, tasty tea. Berries eaten fresh or dried for later use. Berries have a mild
Saskatoon laxative effect. The fruits of this species are added to dried meat and
13 Amelanchier alnifolia serviceberry wípazutkȟaŋ mixed together with fat to make wasna (also known as pemmican).
Leaves used to make tea. This infusion is excellent as a simple beverage,
ziŋtká wóte, but it is also effective in treating lung congestion caused by the flu.
ziŋtkála tȟačháŋ, Leaves dried and added to smoking mixtures. An infusion of the leaves is
tȟatȟáŋka hotȟúŋ, used as a bath to treat eczema. Stems are used in ceremonies, especially
pté hotȟúŋ, before bison hunts. Stems are boiled and used to treat neuralgia and
14 Amorpha canescens leadplant šuŋgtȟáwote rheumatism.
15 Amorpha fruticosa false indigo ziŋtkála tȟačháŋ Straight branches used to make arrow shafts.
There are two types of fruit on this vine. Fruit that hangs from the
upper part of the vine is not edible, but fruits that hang from the lower
part of the vine actually extend underground as a sort of root pod.
These fruits contain seeds that are known as groundbeans. These
"beans" are collected from vole caches. Lakota women would always sing
songs to ask the voles (mice) permission to take the beans and they
would also leave a gift of corn meal or some other food in exchange for
American hog the makatominica . If a reciprocal gift is not given, it is said that the
Amphicarpaea peanut, mousebean, woman and her family would go hungry during the winter. The
16 bracteata groundbean makȟátomniča groundbeans are eaten raw or in soups and stews.
big bluestem, pȟeží šašá ókhihe Boys use the stems as arrows in mock war games. This grass is excellent
17 Andropogon gerardii turkeyfoot tȟaŋkíŋkiŋyaŋ forage for bison and other grazing animals.
The roots are quite astringent and are used to stop bleeding. A
decoction of the root is used to treat lower back pain. An infusion of the
waȟpé owáŋyaŋg root is used as an eye wash to treat sore eyes, crossed eyes, and eye
18 Anemone canadensis meadow anemone wašté twitching. The root is eaten to clear the throat to promote good singing.
There are stories about this plant. A poultice of the boiled, mashed root
candle anemone, itȟúŋkala is used to treat all types of wounds. A poultice of the leaves is used to
19 Anemone cylindrica thimbleweed tȟatȟúŋkče treat burns. An infusion of the root is used to treat headaches.
This is one of the very first flowers of spring. There are many songs
about the beauty of this flower and the joy of seeing the first one in
pasque flower, early spring. The whole plant is also used as a counter-irritant in the
20 Anemone patens prairie crocus hokší čhekpá waȟčá treatment of arthritis.
small-leaf
pussytoes, chaŋȟlóǧaŋ hú Whole plant used as a poultice to treat swellings. The inflorescences are
mouse ear waŋžíla, itȟúŋkala sometimes chewed like tobacco or even gum. Known by some medicine
21 Antennaria parvifolia everlasting nakpá men as "eagle medicine."
This potato is mixed into soups and stews. It can also be eaten raw,
roasted or boiled. The green tops of the plant are also edible and are
22 Apios americana Indian potato bló, bló pahú called "blo hu."
This plant is considered toxic by the Lakota, but the milky sap is used to
"burn-off" warts when applied to the wart three times a day for 5-7
Indian hemp, days. Stem fibers are used to make nets and twine. The Lakota are
23 Apocynum cannabinum dogbane napéoilekiyapi aware that snakes tend to hide under this plant.
čhaŋȟlóǧaŋ hú
24 Arabis hirsuta hairy rockcress waŋžíla Green parts of plant are eaten raw or cooked similarly to spinach.
INTRODUCED. The young, green shoots are eaten raw or cooked, as are
the tender roots. It sometimes takes a lot of boiling to remove the
bitter taste from the roots. A decoction of the roots is also an
excellent blood tonic (detoxifier) and is also effective against throat
infections, boils, rashes, eczema, acne, boils, and insect bites. It is used
25 Arctium minus burdock waȟpé tȟáŋka in the treatment of colds with sore throat and cough.
Fruit is considered edible, but it is only used as "trail food." An infusion
Arctostaphylos of the whole plant is used as a cough medicine, and as a treatment for
26 uva-ursi bearberry čhaŋlí wápe colds and back pain.
Argemone tȟókahu wahíŋkpe
27 polyanthemos prickly poppy uŋ zíyapi The roots of this plant are used to make yellow dye for arrow shafts.
The leaves are made into a pleasant tea. The roots are also edible raw or
silverweed, cooked. An infusion of the leaves and stems is used to treat diarrhea.
28 Argentina anserina shrubby cinquefoil zuyá pȟežúta The whole plant is regarded as "medicine to use against the enemy."
Lakota recognize this plant because the awns get stuck in animals mouths
red three awn, and cause infections. Therefore, the Lakota will not graze their horses
29 Aristida purpurea wiregrass peží tȟakȟáŋ kazá in areas where this grass is present.
INTRODUCED: This plant is one ingredient in the distilled liquor called
absinth. The liquor has been shown to be psychoactive and was outlawed
in the United States. A decoction of the whole plant is used to treat
heart disease and diabetes; however, care must be taken, as large
quantities of this infusion may be toxic. It has been known to stimulate
the liver, gall bladder and digestive system. The plant is also used
30 Artemisia absinthium absinth wormwood wapezuta externally to treat insect bites and stings.
An infusion of the roots of either plant is used to treat constipation,
difficulty urinating, and difficulty in childbirth. Decoction of leaves
Artemisia campestris Western sagewort, taken to abort difficult pregnancies. Pulverized roots are put on a
& false tarragon čhaŋȟlóǧaŋ sleeping man's face so that his horses can be stolen easily. The
31 dranunculoides sagewort waštémna pulverized root is also used as a perfume
The Lakota recognize that this is the best sage for winter browsing by
silver sagebrush, game and livestock. The leaves and stems are also burned as insect
32 Artemisia cana white sagebrush pȟeží ȟóta tȟotȟó repellant.
pȟeží ȟóta This sage is known as "women's medicine." Women use it in their bath
waštémna, waȟčá zí water or to make a bitter infusion. The infusion helps to regulate
fringed sagewort, sutá, makȟá menstruation and to cause contractions in pregnant women who are
33 Artemisia frigida little wild sage čheyáka overdue.
Leaves and stems burned as incense and used for "smudging." That is,
the sage is burned and the smoke breathed in, and wafted all over the
body to purify one's self. An infusion of the plant is used to treat
cudweed sagewort, stomach disorders, to treat intestinal worms, to calm nerves, and to
cudleaf sage, pȟeží hóta wápe treat colds, sore throats and diarrhea. This sage is used to form
34 Artemisia ludoviciana ceremonial sage blaskáska wreaths and bracelets for Sundancers (Wiwayang Wacipi).
A decoction of the leaves is used to treat indigestion and sore throat.
An infusion of the dried leaves is used to treat pneumonia, colds, coughs
and bronchitis. It is used both internally and externally to treat
rheumatism. A poultice of the crushed plant is used on open wounds, and
a decoction of the leaves is used as an antiseptic wash for cuts, wounds
35 Artemisia tridentata big sagebrush pȟeží ȟóta tȟáŋka and sores. The dried plant is burned in one's house as a disinfectant.
The pulverized root is made into a salve which is used to treat swollen
wahíŋheya íphiye, glands. The young seed pods are edible after cooking. An infusion of the
36 Asclepias incarnata swamp milkweed waȟčáȟča hú bloká roots is used to treat asthma, rheumatism, syphilis, and a weak heart.
čhešlóšlo pȟežúta,
low milkweed, pȟeží swúla čík’ala,
37 Asclepias pumila dwarf milkweed ȟaŋté iyéčheča Infusion of leaves used as diarrhea medication, especially for children.
Blossoms are boiled, mixed with flour, and eaten. Decoction of plant used
to help lactating women produce milk. Young shoots are used in soups,
waȟpé thíŋpsila, like wild cabbage. This plant can be toxic as it matures, so use caution.
pȟanúŋpala, Floral buds are used to thicken soups. Open flowers are chopped up to
38 Asclepias speciosa showy milkweed waȟčáȟča make a sort of chutney or "preserve."
Infusion of whole plant used to stimulate appetite. Roots are made into
narrowleaf an infusion, or a small piece of the root is chewed, especially by children,
39 Asclepias stenophylla milkweed thíŋpsila pȟežúta to improve appetite.
big milkweed, pȟanúŋpala Infusion of whole plant used as diarrhea medicine. Young shoots can be
40 Asclepias syriaca common milkweed waȟčáȟča eaten in soups or stews. Flower buds are also edible.
waȟpé thíŋpsila An infusion is used to treat diarrhea. An infusion is also made from this
41 Asclepias verticillata whorled milkweed iyéčheča plant to help lactating women produce milk.
green milkweed Pulverized roots made into an infusion, which is used to treat diarrhea,
(both slim leaf and especially for children. An infusion is also given to lactating women to aid
42 Asclepias viridiflora wide-leaf varieties) húčhiŋška them in producing more milk.
Aster ericoides & čhaŋȟlóǧaŋ
43 falcatus heath aster pȟépȟela These aster species are grazed readily by deer and pronghorn antelope.
Seeds are eaten by horses. Decoction of root used to treat fevers in
children. The root is chewed to relieve chest pain and coughing. The
roots of A. canadensis are mixed with the roots of Glycyrrhiza lepidota
pȟežúta ská hú, (American licorice), the macerated mixture is made into an infusion,
44 Astragalus canadensis Canadian milkvetch šuŋkówašakala which is used to treat the spitting up of blood.
The fruits of the groundplum resemble small plums, but are very firm
and no larger than a ping-pong ball. They are an excellent snack food and
Astragalus groundplum pté tȟawóte, the taste resembles raw green beans, but slightly sweeter. The Lakota
45 crassicarpus milkvetch tȟatȟáŋka omníča consider this plant to be good medicine for their horses.
núŋǧoka yazáŋ The small, silvery-gray leaves are moistened, rolled into a ball, and put in
46 Astragalus gilviflorus plains orophaca pȟežúta the outer ear to relieve earache.
47 Astragalus gracilis slender milkvetch pȟežúta skúya The roots are chewed by lactating women to increase milk production.
locoweed, alkali pȟežúta ská hú, One must be careful to not confuse this plant with other milkvetch
48 Astragalus racemosus milkvetch šuŋkléža hú species. This plant is poisonous to both humans and livestock.
Decoction of the whole plant (including roots) is used to treat stomach
Balsamorhiza arrowleaf pains and headache. Sticky resin is used as an antiseptic for wounds. The
49 sagittata balsamroot hutkáŋ tȟáŋka root may be eaten raw, boiled, or roasted.
50 Beckmannia syzigache sloughgrass mní pȟeží Excellent forage for wildlife.
The shredded bark is bound together to make torches. The bark is
birch, paper birch, formed into a container, which is used to collect and hold the sweet sap
51 Betula papyrifera white birch čhaŋhásaŋ from Acer spp. (maple trees).
beggartick, mnióhuta aglágla, Infusion of whole plant is used to alleviate pain and it is also used as an
52 Bidens spp. stickseed sunflower waȟčá zí anti-diarrheal.
This is an excellent forage for wildlife. Lakota children would play a
game using this grass: Most of the stems have two inflorescences on
them, so children would compete to see who could find the stems with
53 Bouteloua gracilis blue grama pȟeží okhížata three inflorescences. (Akin to finding a four leaf clover.)
54 Bouteloua hirsuta hairy grama pȟeží okhížata Excellent forage for wildlife.
When brown and dried, the powdery spores of this mushroom are used
as an antibacterial styptic for wounds, especially on a newborn's
unhealed navel. The mushroom is also a choice edible when young and
55 Bovista plumbia tumbling puffball hokší čhekpá marshmallow-white in the center.
Brickellia 
56 eupatorioides false boneset waȟpé pȟá The entire plant is used to make a poultice for swellings.
Bromus inermis spp. Pumpellii pȟeží háŋskaska This is a native subspecies of bromegrass. It is excellent forage for
57 pumpellianus bromegrass psíŋ iyéčheča wildlife.
pȟeží This grass is excellent forage for bison. It is now being propagated as
iwíčhakȟoyaka, lawn sod, due to the fact that it does not grow taller than a few inches
58 Buchloe dactyloides buffalo grass pȟeží hiŋkpíla (no mowing required) and does not require irrigation.
The inflorescence (spike) is used as ceremonial decoration, similar to a
feather in one's hair. Crazy Horse was said to have worn a sandreed
spike in his hair. It was also considered a war charm. Long sandreeds
59 Calamovilfa longifolia sandreed saŋtúhu ȟčáka were used as pipe cleaners.
As with all puffball mushrooms when brown and dried, the powdery
spores are used as an antibacterial styptic for wounds, especially on a
purple spored newborn's unhealed navel. The mushroom is also a choice edible when
60 Calavatia cyathiformis puffball hokší čhekpá young and marshmallow-white in the center.
A decoction of the root is taken for internal pains. The smoke of the
dried root is used to "bathe" or waft over aching body parts, and is
61 Callirhoe involucrata purple poppy mallow pȟežúta naŋtíažila inhaled for head colds.
The bulbs are eaten raw, boiled or roasted. The bulbs are also
macerated and combined with other plants to create a poultice that is
62 Calochortus gunnisonii sego lily pšíŋ tȟáŋka used to treat breast cancer.
The bulbs are eaten raw, boiled or roasted. The bulbs are also
macerated and combined with other plants to create a poultice that is
63 Calochortus nuttalii mariposa lily pšíŋ tȟáŋka used to treat breast cancer.
yellow evening
primrose,
yellow prairie
mallow, yellow
64 Calylophus serrulatus sundrops waȟčá zí čík’ala This primrose is good forage for wildlife.